Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Frank and I exchange a look as he places his water on the counter. Sure, Aqua Vista has pretty scenery, whether beachside or mountain view, but there’s plenty of that between here and San Jose.
“What?” he asks, looking between us. “I didn’t get enough time to explore the town last time, so why not?”
I school my features. “Suit yourself.”
“Plus, I liked the work you did on my car,” he tells Frank. “Thought I’d ask for a tune-up while I’m here.”
“Sure, we can put you on the schedule.” I pull up the calendar on the computer. “How long will you be in town?”
“Not sure. A week, maybe two.”
When his hot gaze meets mine, I clear my throat. But before I can get my brain cells working again, the longing look is tamped down and he’s all business again.
I glance at the screen. “We can fit you in on Tuesday. How does that sound?”
“Great.” He gives Frank an up-nod. “Direct me to the inn? I thought I’d check that place out this time around.”
“Sure. Head through the center of town, past Johnny’s bar, and turn right. Can’t miss it.”
“Why, is it bright yellow or something?” he teases.
Frank chuckles. “She went more understated with that location. But the sign is pretty large, so it’s easy to find.”
“Plus, it’s the only thing out that way,” I add. “It’s in the foothills, so it feels more remote.”
“Sounds perfect. Thanks.” He grabs his water from the counter and cocks a brow. “Guess I’ll see you around.”
Is he flirting with me? Trying to play coy?
Fuck, why does he have to be so handsome?
I watch as he gets in his car and pulls onto the road in search of the inn.
“What in the world?” Frank asks.
“Well, like he said, he’s taking time off and decided to grace our little town with his presence.”
“Uh-huh.” Frank playfully knocks into me. “Bet you’re hoping he graces more than that.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t you have an oil change to get to?”
Frank goes to the garage, and I get busy with other things.
As the day wears on, I can’t stop thinking about Aaron and wondering what he’s up to. Is he exploring the town, or has he decided to just chill in his room? I can’t help but be curious about what prompted the vacation. Is he burned out? Going through a tough time? It's not my business, so I squash it down.
Frank and I part ways after I give the nighttime employee a rundown of the day. “Can you stock the oil cans when you get a chance?”
“Will do,” Mike says. He’s a good worker, reliable, and doesn’t try to pull any funny business by having his friends keep him company. A job is a job, not social hour.
I take the scenic route home—or at least that’s what I tell myself—and when I drive past the inn, I spot Aaron’s fancy car in the lot.
I have no good reason to stop, though the inn does have a bar. It’s normally filled with a mix of locals and travelers, but I’d look out of place suddenly showing up there. If Mae is working, she might wonder what the handsome stranger and I are up to. I already hooked up with him once in his motel room, and now he’s in town again.
I decide to drive home instead. Not that I care what people think of me, but I don’t always want the townsfolk to know my business. Everyone in Aqua Vista is too well acquainted with the McCoy family as it is. How could they not be when I own the only gas station for miles, my aunt Dina runs the general store, and my sister, June, works at the local diner. When my brother-in-law, Dan, passed, she grieved hard, then picked herself up and got back out there. My nephew, Cain, had been in high school at the time, so she’d needed to for him. And now he’s all grown and living his own life in Aqua Vista. Between the deaths and the heartache, our family has stayed close, and we try to get together whenever we can.
I pull into my driveway and park my truck. My house resembles a small cottage, which works for me since I don’t need much room.
I use the air fryer June got me for Christmas to heat leftovers, then sit on my back deck, absently eating the casserole Aunt Dina dropped off. This is one of my favorite places to decompress because I can see the mountains from my yard. I wonder what room Aaron was given and what view he has from his window. Fuck, why am I still thinking about him?
Maybe some porn viewing is in order, or finding an eager partner over in the next town. Truth be told, I haven’t been with anyone since Aaron, but it’s not that simple around here. Johnny’s bisexual and gets more hookups than me, and normally, I don’t mind. Besides, my brother has his own reasons for seeking out warm bodies late at night.